Literacy Skills Development in the Midst of Health Crisis Challenges in Kindergarten Education

Abstract

This study unraveled effort of teachers in developing the literacy skills of kindergarten learners. Specifically, this study centered the challenges and strategies of teachers in developing the literacy skills of learners. There were ten (10) teacher-participants in this study and they were kindergarten teachers from various schools of Magsaysay North District in the Division of Davao del Sur. This phenomenological study employed in-depth interview in gathering information data. Using thematic analysis, the following were the themes developed on the challenges of teachers in developing the literacy skills of the learners has yielded the following themes: Reluctance of learners to cooperate with their parents in learning activities and Inability of parents to assist in child's literacy development. The strategies of teachers in developing the literacy skills of the learners, this study had the following themes from the coded narratives of the participants: Periodic guidance to parents and learners and Provide learning resources for explicit teaching. Moreover, from the challenges and strategies of teachers in developing the literacy skills development of learners, insights were drawn to support literacy development of learners in this time of pandemic. The following were the insight drawn from the findings: Provision for digital equipment and internet connectivity to facilitate literacy development and Strengthen collaboration with parents. The insights from this study aims to support the effort of teachers in developing learning literacy of learners. Also, It is the purview of this study to contribute knowledge on literacy development of learners in this time of health crisis.